The ESK blog

Does Stress Cause Acne?

22 July 2021

You know it does!

It is a bit of a chicken and egg situation. Or a vicious circle. Or both. Acne is caused by stress. But acne is so stressful!

WHAT’S THE LINK?

Before we dive in...

The hormone culprits.

The brain has multiple complicated responses to stress. One is a higher release of CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone). It turns out that apart from its other roles, which mainly involve telling your adrenal glands to produce more of the stress hormone, cortisol, CRH affects the skin too. It significantly induces sebum production in your skin, and changes the way many of the inflammatory mediators behave. So, you get the double whammy of extra oil and disrupted immune system in your skin!

Picking!

Do you pick when you’re stressed?? Stop it!! Picking not only increases the inflammation of the skin and makes the pimples worse, it can contribute to long term scarring!

Stress stuffs up your lifestyle.

Poor sleep makes acne worse. And binge eating junk food probably won’t help either!

SO WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Destress!

One randomised controlled study looked at relaxation and stress reduction techniques for patients with acne. While doing these activities, acne sufferers had a significant improvement in their acne. The bad news? When the relaxation techniques were stopped, the pimples came back!

Stop picking!

Easier said than done, I know but trim your nails as short as possible if that’s what it takes!

Get enough sleep and improve your diet!

For the same price as helping clear up your skin, you will feel AMAZING!!!

CHOOSE THE BEST SKIN CARE

Our ESK Acne Kits have been specifically curated to provide the best evidence based ingredients to help combat breakouts. Combining hydroxy acids, vitamins A and B3 as well as a non-comedogenic (break-out friendly) sunscreen, it’s perfect for everyday use.

Acne-prone/Oily kit

Acne shows up when your skin responds with inflammation to an excess of the C Acnes bacteria. Excess oil production and an irregular skin cell turnover combine to block pores in the skin creating the conditions where the bacteria flourish. Designing a skincare regimen with this in mind is the first step to helping get your skin under control.

This kit is designed for oilier, acne-prone skin. Using ingredients with strong scientific evidence, it helps maintain a balanced skin surface, supports an even-looking skin tone, and helps improve appearance and texture. The formulation also supports hydration without feeling heavy or greasy.

The Hydroxy Overnight Mask, with 5% salicylic acid, helps combat inflammation, helps with skin cell turnover, and helps combat acne causing bacteria, it is the perfect addition as a weekly mask!

Hydroxy Overnight Mask

Our Hydroxy Overnight Mask is your go-to for clearer, glowing skin! With 5% salicylic acid and 10% urea, it’s a powerful yet gentle way to take on blemishes and keep skin hydrated. In oiler skin, Salicylic acid gently exfoliates for a smooth finish, while urea deeply moisturises. Use it as a spot treatment, or apply it once a week for an all-over refresh. Just cleanse, apply, and let this overnight mask work its magic while you sleep—wake up to softer, clearer, and radiant skin ready to take on the day!

Featuring;

- Gentle exfoliators for a weekly skin refresh

- Convenient size means you can keep it on hand to tackle blemishes when and wherever they happen

And our latest addition to help tackle those unexpected breakouts;

Spotless: Microneedle Patches

Microneedle patches.

Our Spotless Patches are your new go-to for tackling early-stage bumps, right from home! Each pack includes 8 patches, each patch packed with 300 dissolving, painless Hyaluronic Acid microneedles.

These microneedles deliver a potent blend of ingredients like salicylic acid, vitamin B3, tea tree oil, and green tea directly to the spot. This powerful formula works to calm and clear the skin and helps you stop bumps in their tracks. Keep a pack on hand for a quick, targeted solution that’s easy, effective, and skin-friendly. Say goodbye to surprise unwanted blemishes and hello to clear, confident skin!

Featuring;